For the fourth time in Tom O'Brien's five seasons at N.C. State, the Wolfpack have been crippled by injuries. While most of the damage has been on the defensive side of the ball, where even a walk-on offensive lineman have been moved over as backup defensive tackles, the offense takes a hit this time - losing one of their most productive running backs.

CBSSports.com's Mike Potter reports that Curtis Underwood will miss Saturday's game against Georgia Tech with an ankle injury. The senior running back was considering a transfer until an injury to Mustafa Greene opened up an opportunity in the offensive backfield. Underwood has been the Wolfpack's leading rusher, carrying 42 times for 226 yards and a touchdown. His absence will put the rushing attack in the hands of James Washington (47 carries, 169 yards, three touchdowns) and freshman Tony Creecy (six carries, 21 yards).

The injury comes at the worst time for the Wolfpack, who have had extra time to prepare for Georgia Tech following the 44-14 loss at Cincinnati last Thursday. One of the keys to beating the Yellow Jackets is keeping their potent offense off the field. With the depth issues on defense, it becomes even more pertinent that quarterback Mike Glennon lead the offense on sustained drives to keep the opposing offense on the sideline. With their leading rusher out, O'Brien will look to Washington and Creecy to keep drives alive in 3rd and short situations.

Last year, the Wolfpack beat Georgia Tech 45-28 in Atlanta. Saturday's nationally televised kickoff will be at 3:30 ET.

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